WALTHAM -- Family, friends, classmates and the larger Waltham community came together in overwhelming fashion Thursday and Friday to celebrate the life of slain Waltham High student Tyler Zanco.

Moody Street traffic was caught at a standstill Thursday afternoon, as those who were close to Zanco lined the sidewalks and filtered into Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home to pay their respects during visiting hours.

Zanco, 17, was fatally shot on March 20 at the Gardencrest Apartments complex on Middlesex Circle. The news of his death shocked the Waltham community, but especially at Waltham High School where he was a senior, months away from his graduation date.

In the last week, Zanco, a four-sport athlete and parishioner, has been remembered by his community for his capturing smile and unwavering loyalty to friends and family. His funeral was held Friday morning at Sacred Heart Church on River Street in Waltham.

Many in attendance were forced to stand, lining the back walls of the church because every pew was full. The church seats about 900 people, according to its website. The majority of those in attendance were Zanco's classmates.

The Rev. Dennis Wheatley, pastor at Sacred Heart, pushed for the attending students to seek advice from parents, coaches, resource officers or teachers if they ever faced a difficult situation in life. Wheatley then turned to the adults and urged them to not only talk to their children, students and athletes, but also to listen to what they had to say; to really take the time to get engaged in their children's lives.

Police allege that Zanco's death was a result of him trying to solve an issue on his own. Zanco attempted to get even with Taylor Poulin, 21, of Newton, who had previously ripped off his cousin, according to a police affidavit. After a fight broke out, Zanco was shot and killed, police said.

Poulin was arrested Wednesday in Maine and will be brought back to Waltham to face charges in connection with Zanco's death. Poulin's alleged accomplice, Domingo Mendes, 22, of Belmont is wanted for murder and is still at large.

Following the service, Zanco was buried at Calvary Chapel Mausoleum in Waltham.

Immediately following Zanco's death, the "Rest in Peace Tyler" fund was established to help the family pay for the services. As of Friday afternoon, more than 500 people had raised about $32,000 in one week.

The Sacred Youth Ministry, the church's teen group, wrote a tribute to Zanco – a member of the 2012 confirmation class – on its website saying the community was with him and his family during this time of tragedy.

"We all know the word tragedy, but there are certain times in life when its definition becomes all too clear and all too real. This is one of them," the website said. "Honor Tyler's memory every day. Honor it by reflecting the care and concern he had for others. Honor it by passing on the kindness he showed to others."